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Law firms in London are providing perks including ice cream and sun lotion to ease their employees' and clients' working day as City temperatures spike.

Several firms have laid on free ice creams for clients and visitors in their London offices, since temperatures began to climb earlier this week.

Visitors to King & Spalding's office have been greeted by the welcome sight of freezers full of complimentary Soleros and Magnums in its lobby.

Addleshaw Goddard has offered complimentary ice creams to clients since Tuesday, and has delivered them to its staff this afternoon too.

Meanwhile, Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy has provided suncream dispensers on its roof terrace.

King & Spalding employment partner Jules Quinn told Legal Week there are several steps companies can take to keep their employees safe and in a positive mood during extreme temperatures.

She advised employers to encourage working from home or offer varied hours to their staff, allowing earlier starts and finishes to avoid any travel disruption due to the weather.

Some rail commuters have faced severe disruption today, with tracks affected by the heat.

Quinn also said staff should remain vigilant while enjoying the weather after work.

She added: "Lots of folks are heading out for after-work drinks in the sun or office summer parties. Be sure to keep staff hydrated (with water!) and make sure staff get home safely or at least have one responsible senior member of staff on duty to watch out for those who may have had too much 'sun'."

Today has been the hottest July day ever recorded in the U.K., with the mercury hitting 36.9C at Heathrow Airport.